Control means for adjusting the vend price of a coin handling mechanism

ABSTRACT

The control unit for a coin handling mechanism of a vending machine includes a rotatable cam having sections which can be displaced relative to each other about the axis of rotation for the cam. The one section carries a rotatable adjusting element which is offset radially from the cam axis, and this adjusting element has a spur gear which engages a gear segment on the other cam section. Thus, when the adjusting element is rotated, one cam section is angularly displaced relative to the other. The two sections have lobes at their peripheries and these lobes operate switches. The angular interval between the operation of the switches varies according to the relative positions of the cam sections, and this enables the control unit to adjust for different sale prices. A solenoid actuator rotates the cam in incremental advances.

p [11] 3,929,212 T p 14 1 Dec. 30, 1975 Burzen [54] CONTROL MEANS FORADJUSTING THE VEND PRICE OF A COIN HANDLING MECHANISM [75] Inventor:Norman J. Burzen, Pacific, Mo.

[73] Assignee: Nordon Industries, Inc., Fenton,

[22] Filed: July 29, 1974 [21] Appl. No.: 492,778

[52] US. Cl. 194/1 L; 19419 R [51] Int. C1. G07F 9/00 [58] Field 01Search .4 194/1 L, 9 R, 9 T, 10

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,875,270 2/1959 Wendt [94/9R 2,922,575 l/l960 Durant 194/9 R 3,138,724 6/1964 Wood l 194]) R3,172,520 3/1965 Greenwald l 19419 R 3,642,108 2/1972 Hennessy t 194/1 L3,722,649 3/1973 Pfitzer 4 1 194/9 R 3,776,339 12/1973 Bowman 194/10Primary Examiner-Robert B. Reeves Assistant ExaminerH. Grant Skaggs, Jr.Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Gravely, Lieder & Woodruff [57 I ABSTRACT Thecontrol unit for a coin handling mechanism of a vending machine includesa rotatable cam having sections which can be displaced relative to eachother about the axis of rotation for the cam. The one section carries arotatable adjusting element which is offset radially from the cam axis,and this adjusting element has a spur gear which engages a gear segmenton the other cam section. Thus, when the adjusting element is rotated,one cam section is angularly displaced relative to the other. The twosections have lobes at their peripheries and these lobes operateswitches. The angular interval between the operation of the switchesvaries according to the relative positions of the cam sections, and thisenables the control unit to adjust for different sale prices. A solenoidactuator rotates the cam in incremental advances.

13 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Sheet 1 of 4 3,929,212

US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 U.S. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 FIG. 2

Sheet 2 of 4 US. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 3 of4 3,929,212

FIGS

U.S. Patent Dec. 30, 1975 Sheet 4 of4 3,929,212

CONTROL MEANS FOR ADJUSTING THE VEND PRICE OF A COIN HANDLING MECHANISMBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates in general to coinhandling mechanisms, and more specifically to control means foradjusting the vend price of such mechanism.

The more versatile coin handling mechanisms used in vending machinestoday have the capability of dispensing change when the amount of coinreceived by the mechanism exceeds the value of the sale. Such mechanismshave the further capability of operating the vending machine at any oneof several vend prices. For example, a coin handling mechanism in a softdrink vending machine may initially be set to cause the machine todeliver a soft drink at cents. If the wholesale price for the drinkincreases enough, the operator should be able to change the setting onthe coin handling mechanism so that it will operate the machine onlywhen cents is received. In other words, the vend price is variable.

Heretofore, one of the more common means for controlling a coin handlingmechanism has been a cam, the operation of which is initiated by and isresponsive to coins introduced into the mechanism. The cam is steppedthrough a full cycle by a pawl and ratchet device each time a sale ismade, and as the cam moves through its cycle it closes and opens variousswitches. To change the vend price, the cam must be completely removedfrom the coin handling mechanism. Moreover, the cam is quite intricatein that it is composed of many parts which easily become misaligned.

A few coin handling mechanisms capable of dispensing change and varyingthe vend price operate electronically, but these coin devices are muchmore expensive than the cam operated mechanisms and are not veryreliable.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION One of the principal objects of the presentinvention is to provide a coin handling mechanism which has thecapability of both dispensing change and varying the vend price. Anotherobject is to provide a coin handling mechanism in which the vend pricemay be altered with relative ease and without requiring a majordisassembly of the mechanism. A further object is to provide a coinhandling mechanism of the type stated which is simple in constructionand reliable in operation. An additional object is to provide a coinhandling mechanism of the type stated having an adjustable control camwhich can be adjusted by turning a small adjusting element exposed atthe front face of the cam. These and other objects and advantages willbecome apparent hereinafter.

The present invention is embodied in a control unit for a coin handlingmechanism and includes a cam having sections capable of being displacedrelative to each other and adjusting means which is carried by the camitself and is movable relative thereto to effect a displacement of onecam section relative to the other. The invention also resides in the camitself. The invention also consists in the parts and in the arrangementsand combinations of parts hereinafter described and claimed.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the accompanying drawings which form partof the specification and wherein like numerals and letters refer to likeparts wherever they occur:

FIG. I is a perspective view of a coin handling mechanism provided witha control unit constructed in accordance with and embodying the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. I and showingthe control unit;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 33 of FIG. 2 with the cambeing shown in full and the dark lines delineating the three cam rings;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 44 of FIG. 3 and showing theratchet arm and the solenoid actuator de-energized;

FIG. 5 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 but showing the ratchet armwhen the solenoid actuator is energized',

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the cam;

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the cam taking immediately behind theouter cam ring, that is along line 7-7 of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring now to the drawings (FIG. 1), a coin handling mechanism C includes a housing H which contains a slug rejector R,a chute assembly A, a payout unit P, and a control unit U (FIG. 2). Thehousing H has sidewalls 2 and 4 connected by a back wall 6. Along thesidewall 2, the housing H has a coin return chute 8.

The slug rejector R (FIG. I) is located in the upper portion of thehousing H in front of the control unit U and includes a coin slot 10into which coin is introduced into the coin mechanism C. The slugrejector R not only separates legitimate coins from illegitimate ones,the latter of which are directed to the return chute 8, but alsosegregates legitimate coins of different value. In particular, itseparates nickels, dimes and quarters into different channels which leadto the chute assembly A.

The chute assembly A (FIG. I) is located directly below the slugrejector R and has a nickel channel 12, a dime channel I4, and a quarterchannel 16 which align with corresponding channels in the slug rejectorR. The nickel channel 12 has a feeler wire 20 extended through andconnected to a nickel switch (not shown) so that when a nickel passesthrough the channel I2 the wire 20 will be depressed and will operatethe nickel switch. The wire 20 also projects through the dime channel I4so the nickel switch is also operated by dimes. Likewise, the dimechannel I4 has a wire 22 projected through it and connected to a dimeswitch (not shown), while the quarter channel I6 has a wire 24 projectedthrough it and connected to a quarter switch (not shown). Since a dimeoperates both the wires 20 and 22, and the switches associated withthem, two pulses are provided in sequence when a dime passes through thedime channel 14.

The payout unit P (FIG. 1) is located directly below the chute assemblyA and receives nickels from the chute assembly A to dispense as change.It may also be furnished with nickels by the service man. The payoutunit may include the timing apparatus illustrated in the co-pendingapplication of Norman J. Burzen, Ser. No. 425,525, filed Dec. 17, 1973and now U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,00l for initiating operation thereof uponreceipt of a signal from the control unit U.

The control unit U is mounted on the back wall 6 of the housing H behindthe slug rejector R and is triggered by anyone of the switches operatedby the feelcr wires 20, 22 and 24. Depending on the switch which isclosed, it will totalizc the amount of coin passing through the chuteassembly A, and if the amount of coin equals or exceeds the vend priceit will close the electrical circuit to the vending machine in which itis installed. The control unit U will also actuate the payout unit Pwhen the amount of coin exceeds the vend price, and controls the payoutunit such that it pays back the correct amount of change in nickels. Thecontrol unit U is in effect a credit mechanism which operates in astepping action, stepping once for each cents value of coin insertedinto the device insofar as nickels and dimes are concerned. Quarters areregistered on relays for that purpose and these relays have thecapability of initiating the stepping action.

The control unit U includes (FIGS. 2 and 3) a base plate which isfastened firmly to the back wall 6 of the housing 30. The base plate 30has a main spindle 32 projecting from it toward the coin rejector R, andthis spindle 32 serves as a journal for a ratchet arm 34 and for acylindrical cam 36, the latter of which has ratchet teeth 37 arrangedcircumferentially at the back side thereof and projected generally inthe radial direction. In all 60 ratchet teeth 37 exist along theperiphery of the cam 36 immediately in front of the ratchet arm 34. Thearm 34 moves back and forth through a very lim itcd arc, and as it doesit causes the cam 36 to undergo rotation in one direction only.

The ratchet arm 34 has a tab 38 (FIG. 4) located outwardly from the cam36, and this tab is disposed directly above a solenoid actuator 40including a coil 42 which is fastened firmly to the base plate 30 and anarmature 44 which moves upwardly downwardly within the coil 42. When thecoil 42 is de'energized, the armature 44 assumes its lower position(FIG. 4). However, when the coil 42 is energized, the armature 44 movesaxially upwardly and engages the tab 38 on the ratchet arm 34, drivingthe tab 38 upwardly (FIG. 5). This in turn causes the arm 34 to rotatethrough an arc of about 6. The ratchet arm 34 is urged toward thearmature 44 by a coil'type compression spring 46 (FIG. 3) which extendsbetween the upper edge of the arm 34 and a mount 48 secured to the baseplate 30 above the cam 36.

Immediately above the tab 38 the ratchet arm 34 is provided with a smallpintle 49 (FIG. 3) on which a ratchet pawl 50 pivots and the pawl 50 isurged toward the periphery of the cam 36 by a compression type coilspring 52. Actually, the pawl 50 is normally engaged with the teeth 37on the cam 36. The pawl 50 has an arcuate tail portion 54 whichunderlies a portion of the ratchet arm 34 and prevents the pawl 50 fromworking off of the pintle 49. Thus, the pawl 50 connects the ratchet arm34 with the cam 36 and causes the cam 36 to rotate along with the arm 34when the coil 42 of the solenoid actuator 40 is energized to move thearmature 44 upwardly.

The ratchet arm 34 further includes an actuating finger 56 (FIGS. 4 and5) which projects downwardly and operates a toggle 58 as the arm 34rocks back and forth. The toggle 58 pivots on a mount 60 secured firmlyto the base plate 30 and includes an actuating tab 62 which lies in thepath of the finger 56 and a pallet 64 which moves upwardly into thespace between two ratchet teeth 37 when the actuating tab 62 isdisplaced, thereby preventing further rotation of the cam 36. The toggle58 further includes a projection 66, which extends beyond the pallet 64and operates the blade 68 of an interrupter switch 70 connected inseries with the coil 42 of the solenoid actuator 40. When the pallet 64is disengaged from the teeth 37 (FIG. 4) the switch 70 is closed, butwhen the pallet 64 is elevated into engagement with the ratchet teeth 37as a result of the arm 34 being pivoted upwardly by the solenoidactuator 40 (FIG. 5), the switch 70 is open.

The mount 48 which is located above the cam 36 has a small pintle 72(FIG. 4) about which a detent pawl 74 rotates, and this pawl is urgedtoward and into engage ment with the ratchet teeth 37 by a compressiontype coil spring 76 extended between it and the mount 48. The detentpawl 74 is identical in configuration to the drive pawl 50 and itsarcuate tail underlies a portion of the mount 48 to prevent the pawl 74from leaving the pintle 72. However, the pawl 74 pivots about an axisfixed in position with respect to the base plate 30 so that once the camrotates through an angle equalling the spacing between adjacent teeth 37(6) the detent pawl 74 prevents the cam 36 from rotating back to itsoriginal position.

Thus, when the solenoid actuator 40 is energized, the ratchet arm 34rotates upwardly (FIG. 5) and through the drive pawl 50 causes the cam36 to rotate. The actuating finger 56, moreover, pivots the toggle 58,causing its pallet 64 to move up into the teeth 37 and thereby preventfurther rotation of the cam 36 beyond and angle equal to the areoccupied by one tooth 37 on the cam 36. The projection 66 furthermorebears against the blade 68 of the interrupter switch 70 and opens theswitch 70, thus de-energizing the solenoid coil 42 and causing thearmature 42 thereof to drop back to its original position. The spring 46causes the ratchet arm 34 to likewise move back to its original position(FIG. 4). The detent pawl 74, however, prevents the cam 36 from likewiserotating back to its original position and as a result the drive pawl 50skips over one tooth 37 into the notch following that tooth 37. As thearm 34 moves back to its initial position, the actuating finger 56thereon moves against the pallet 64 of the toggle 58 and swings thetoggle 58 back to its initial position, in which case the projection 66of the toggle releases the blade 68 at the interrupter switch 70 and theswitch 70 closes. Unless, the circuit to the solenoid 42 is interruptedat some other point in the circuitry, the foregoing cycle will berepeated and the cam 36 will index one more tooth 37, etc.

The cam 36 includes (FIG. 6) a ratchet wheel 80 having the ratchet teeth37 around its periphery. The wheel 80 is preferably injection moldedfrom plastic and has an integral hug 82 which receives the spindle 32and extends practically all the way through the cam 36. Outwardly fromthe hub 82, the wheel 80 has three mounting posts 84 which are spaced atintervals and two detent pins 86 which are located radially outwardlyfrom the posts 84, but from an angular standpoint are centered betweenadjacent posts 84. Thus, the two pins 86 are likewise spaced I20" apart,but are offset 60 with respect to the adjacent mounting posts 84. Whilethe pins 86 are molded integral with the wheel 80, they are relativelysmall in diameter so that they are somewhat flexible.

Positioned firmly against the front face of the ratchet wheel 80, thatis the face from which the posts 84 and pins 86 project, is a back orpayout cam ring 88 (FIG.

6) having a center hole for receiving the hub 82 and other holes forreceiving the posts 84 and the pins 86, these holes being spaced 60apart. In the remaining 120 sector, that is the sector not occupied by ahole for the pins 86, the cam ring 88 on its front face is provided witha bearing boss 90 having an axially extended bore therein. At itsperiphery, the cam ring 88 has lobes a and b, which are arranged inthree groups with equal circumferential spacing between the groups. Thetwo lobes a and b of each group are contiguous, but are offset axiallywith the lobe a being closer to the ratchet wheel 86. Also, the lobe ais of greater arcuate length than the lobe b. The lobes b have inwardlypresented guide surfaces 92 which are arcuate and concentric to the hub82 of the ratchet wheel 80.

Fitted against the front of the payout cam ring 88 is an intermediate ormaster cam ring 94 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which is likewise injection moldedfrom a suitable plastic. The master cam ring 94 has an outwardlypresented cylindrical surface 96 at its periphery, and that surface fitsinto the guide surfaces 92 of the payout ring 88 so that the guidesurfaces 92 serve to locate the master ring 94 with respect to thepayout ring 88. In addition, the master cam ring 94 has arcuate slots 98and 100 which receive the mounting posts 84 and detent pins 86,respectively, (FIG. 7), of the ratchet wheel 80. Being arcuate, theslots 98 and 100 permit the intermediate plate 94 to rotate through aprescribed angle with respect to the back plate 88'and the ratchet wheel80. Moreover, the outer margins of the two slots I which receive thedetent posts 86 are notched with the spacing between the notchesequaling that spacing between the teeth 37 on the ratchet wheel 80.Preferably, notches are provided in each detent slot 100. The engagementof the detent pins 86 with notches in the slots I00 (FIG. 7) locates andholds the master ring 94 in prescribed angular positions with respect tothe payout ring 88, with the spacing between successive angularpositions equaling the spacing between adjacent teeth 37 on the ratchetwheel 80.

In the vicinity of the bearing boss 90 the master cam ring 94 has anenlarged cutout I02 (FIGS. 6 and 7) which exposes the boss 90. Securedfirmly to the ring 94 is a small drive ring 104 having a gear sector 106located at the enlarged cutout I02 and immediately outwardly from thebearing boss 90 on the back ring 88.

The bearing boss 90 serves as a mount for an actuating element I10including a spindle I12 which fits into the axial bore in the bearingboss 90 and a spur gear 114 on the spindle 112. At its outer end thegear II4 has a flanged head II6 (FIGS. 2 and 6) which is for the mostpart cylindrical, and the head I14 is provided with a cross slot 118capable of receiving the blade of a screwdriver.

The intermediate cam ring 94 along its periphery is provided with lobesc, d and e (FIG. 6) which are arranged in three groups and are disposedin that order from the payout cam ring 88. The lobes c project radiallyand axially beyond the cylindrical surface 96 of the ring 94 where theyoverlie part of the payout ring 88 and abut against a stepped portion onthe lobes a of the ring 88 (FIG. 3). In effect, the lobes c of the ring94 increase the arcuate length of the lobes a on the payout ring 88,with the increase in length being dependent on the relative angularpositions of the cam rings 88 and 94.

The lobes d are detached and spaced axially from the lobes c, with theaxial spacing equaling the overlap of the lobe b over the cylindricalsurface 96 on the master cam ring 94 (FIG. 3 note, the dark lines inthis figure denote the edges of the three cam rings 88, 94 and 122). Theside faces of the lobes d at times abut against the forwardmost sidefaces on the lobes b, or are at least coplanar with those side faces.The rear portion of each lobe d forms a continuation of a correspondinglobe b on the payout ring 88 with the increase in length of the lobe bbeing dependent on the angular position of the ring 94 with respect tothe ring 88.

The lobes d and e are contiguous, but are offset axially andcircumferentially. Moreover, the lobes e project axially beyond thecylindrical surface 96 on the ring 94 and have inwardly presentedlocating surfaces 120 which are arcuate and concentric to the hub 82 ofthe ratchet wheel 80.

The hollow interior of the master cam ring 94 is closed with a front orhigh price cam ring 122 (FIG. 6) which is also molded from a suitableplastic. The high price cam ring I22 has a cylindrical surface I24 whichfits into the arcuate locating surfaces I20 on the lobes e of the masterring 94 so that the surfaces I20 confine the high price ring I22 in theradial direction (FIG. 3). The high price ring I22 has a rearwardlypresented central recess which receives the end of the hub 82 andoutwardly from the hub 82 is provided with a circular aperture I28(FIGS. 2 and 6) in which the cylindrical head I16 of the actuatingelement I10 fits. Indeed, the walls defining the aperture I28 form abearing for one end of the actuating element IIO as does the bore in thebearing boss of the payout ring 88. The high price ring I22 is securedto the mounting posts 84 by screws I30 which thread into the posts 84.Thus, the ratchet wheel 80, the payout ring 88 and the high price ringI22 are locked firmly together and always possess the same angularposition with respect to each other.

Along its periphery the high price ring 122 has three equally spacedlobesf which abut against the sides of the axially projected lobes e onthe master ring 94. The outwardly presented surfaces of the lobes e andfare flush and the latter in effect forms a circumferential extension ofthe former. The increase in length of the lobes e is dependent on theangular position of the high price ring 122 with respect to the masterring 94.

To rotate the master cam ring 94 relative to the payout and high pricecam rings 88 and I22, to thereby increase or decrease the effectivelengths of the lobes a, b and e, the actuator element "0 is turnedmerely by inserting the blade of a screwdriver into the slot 118 of thehead [[6 thereof and rotating the screwdriver. When the element IIOturns, its spur gear II4 drives the drive ring I04 which in turn rotatesthe master ring 94 between the payout and high price rings 88 and 122.This in turn moves the lobes c relative to the lobes a and changes theeffective length of the lobes a, moves the lobes d relative to the lobesb and changes the effective length of the lobes b, and also moves thelobes 1' relative to the lobes e and changes the effective length of thelobes e. The dentent pins 86 move from notch to notch along the arcuateslots I00 as the actuating element H0 is turned and thus indicate eachtime the relative positioning changes an amount equal to the areoccupied by one tooth 37 on the ratchet wheel 80.

The upper switch mount 48 has two pins I32 (FIG. 2) projected from itparallel to the main spindle 32 and mounted on these pins are fourswitches (FIG. 3),

namely, a payout switch 134, an over insert switch 136, a ten cent relayswitch 138, and a high price switch 140, with the switches I34, I36,138, I40 being disposed in that order from rear to front. Each of theswitches has an operating blade 142. The blade [42 of the switch I34aligns with the plane separating the lobes a and c on the cam 36. Assuch it will bridge the lobes a and c and will be depressed by eitherone of them. The blade 142 of the over insert switch [36 aligns with theplane separating the lobes b and d and will bridge both of them.Therefore, either of the lobes b or d will depress the blade I42 of theswitch 136. The blade 142 of the ten cent relay switch I38 aligns onlywith the lobes d and is depressed thereby. The blade [42 of the highprice switch 140 aligns with the plane separating the lobes e and f andis depressed by both of those lobes.

The lower switch mount 60 (FIGS. 2 and 3) carries a low price switch 144and a vend switch [46 with the former being closer to the base plate 30.The blade 142 of the low price switch 144 aligns with the planeseparating the lobes b and d on the cam 36 and hence is depressed byboth of those lobes (FIG. 3). The blade 142 of the vend switch 146aligns with only the lobe d. Hence, the arcuate span for which theblades 142 of the switches 134, I36, I40 and 144 remain depressed isvariable and depends on the circumferential position of the master camring 94 between the payout and high price rings 88 and [22. However, theswitches 138 and 146 remain actuated for the same arcuate span,irrespective of the position of the intermediate ring 94, since they areoperated by only the lobe d on the master cam ring 94.

Aside from the positioning pins 132, the switch mount 48 also has twomounting posts 150 (FIGS. 2 and 3) between which the switches I34, 136,I38 and 140 are disposed, and these posts 150 are bridged by a retainer152 secured thereto by screws I54. The retainer 152 receives the outerends of the positioning pins 132 and prevents the switches 1 34, 136,I38 and 140 from being withdrawn. The retainer I52 also extends over thefront ring 122 of the cam 36 to the center thereof where the mainspindle 32 projects through it. That end of the spindle 32 is embracedby a clip 156 which overlies the retainer 152. Thus, the retainer 152maintains the proper radial distance between the spindle 32 and theswitches I34, I36, I38 and 140 and further confines the cam 36 in theaxial direction.

The electrical circuitry for the coin handling mechanism C includes avend range selector switch I60 (FIG. 2) which has two positions, namely,a low range setting and a high range setting. When in the lower rangesetting, the switch 160 sets the control unit U for sales of 5 cents tocents in five cent increments, depending on the setting of the cam 36.When in the high range letting the switch sets the control unit U forsales of cents to 50 cents in five cent increments, again depending onthe setting of the cam 36. The circuitry is quite extensive and yet issimilar to that of conventional coin mechanisms of the type whichutilize a cam in the control units thereof. Therefore, the electricalcircuitry and the function of the various switches in it will bedescribed in a relatively brief manner, with emphasis on the function ofthe various switches.

Basically, the cam 36 begins each sale at a standby position (FIG. 2).The introduction of nickels and dimes into the coin handling mechanism Cat the coin slot 10 and the subsequent passage of those coins throughthe chute assembly A causes the cam 36 to undergo a cumulating cycle inwhich the coins are totalized. Each 5 cents worth of such coin willcause the cam 36 to step or advance one increment. An increment in thisinstance means one tooth 37'on the ratchet wheel or more specifically anangle equal to that occupied by one tooth 37. For example, a nickel willcause the cam 36 to index once, and a dime will cause it to index twice.Once the cam 36 indexes an amount corresponding to the value of thesale, it undergoes a homing cycle wherein the interrupter switch 70 isin series with the coil 42 of the solenoid actuator 40 and the cam 36steps or indexes generally without interruption. If the amount ofnickels and dimes inserted exactly equals the value of the sale, thehoming cycle continues until the cam 36 again comes to the standbycycle. However, if the amount of coin inserted exceeds the value of thesale by five cents (e.g. two dimes inserted for a 15 cent sale) a [0cent relay will be energized which will send a pulse to the payout unitP which in turn will pay back one nickel in change during the homingcycle.

A quarter will cause the cam 36 to immediately undergo the homing cyclein the case of a low setting sale. In the case of a high setting sale, aquarter will cause the cam 36 to enter the homing cycle only if thequarter when added to the value of the coin previously inserted equalsor exceeds the value of the sale. More specifically, in a low settingsale the introduction of a quarter pulls in a quarter relay which placesthe solenoid actuator 40 in series with the interrupter switch 70 andthe cam begins to home. In a high value sale, the first quarter pulls ina quarter credit relay, while the second quarter pulls in the quarterrelay which begins the homing cycle. Whenever the insertion of a quartercauses the total value of coins to exceed the sale price, the rapidstepping of the cam 36 terminates short of the standby position by thenumber of increments equaling each 5 cents worth of excess. At thispoint the responsibility for continued stepping of the cam 36 transfersfrom the interrupter switch 70 to the payout unit U. For example, if thesale is l5 cents and a quarter is introduced into the coin slot, thehoming cycle continues in a series of rapid steps until two steps fromthe succeeding standby position. The two remaining steps of the homingcycle are initiated by the payout unit P. For each nickel in change paidout by the unit I, the unit I will index the cam 36 one increment towardthe end of the homing cycle.

Thus, for each sale, the cam 36 may undergo a totalizing cycle andalways undergoes a homing cycle, and where the value of coin exceeds thevalue of sale the payout unit P operates during homing cycle. At the endof the homing cycle the cam 36 is back to the next standby position. Inthis regard, it will be recalled, that the lobes a through I on the cam36 are arranged in three groups circumferentially around the cam 36.Each group represents one sale. Therefore, for each sale, the cam 36rotates through a one-third revolution or Hence, three standby positionsexist, and these are spaced I20 apart. The cam 36 may have more or lesslobe groups.

Turning now to the circuitry, when the selector switch is in the lowerrange setting, it sets the control unit U for sales of 5 cents to 25cents in five cent increments, depending on the setting of the cam 36.When in the high range setting the switch sets the con trol unit U forsales of 30 cents to 50 cents in five cent increments, again dependingon the setting of the cam 36. The cam 36 is set or altered by rotatingthe adjusting element 110, which changes the position of the master camring 94 relative to the payout cam ring 88 and the high price cam ring122. The adjusting element 110 has five positions (FIG. 2), namely, 5cents, lO cents, cents, cents and cents, and each position correspondsto a different notch in the arcuate slots 100 of the ring 94, and isclearly recognized by the detent pins 86 snapping into those notches.The five positions represent sales of corresponding value for the lowrange setting of the selector switch 160. For the high range setting ofthe selector switch, the five positions represent a sale equal in valueto position plus 25 cents. For example, for a cent sale, the selectorswitch would be moved to its high range and the actuator 110 to its 10cent 35 cent position.

The fecler wire 20 operates a nickel switch which is connected to thecoil 42 of the solenoid actuator such that the actuator 40 will step thecam 36 one increment each time the wire 20 is depressed. Thus, when anickel is inserted into the coin slot 10, the cam 36 will rotate throughan angle equal to the space occupied by one of the teeth 37 on theratchet wheel 80. This space may be 6.

The feeler wire 22 is connected to the dime switch which is likewiseconnected to the solenoid actuator 40 to index the cam 36 one incrementwhen that switch is closed. However, since the feeler wire 20, inaddition to extending through the nickel channel 12 also extends throughthe dime channel 14, as does the wire 22, a dime passing through thedime channel 14 will first close the nickel switch and then the dimeswitch, causing two pulses to be delivered in succession to the solenoidactuator 40. Hence, a dime will cause the cam 36 to rotate twoincrements, that is through the angle occupied by two teeth 37. The dimeswitch also closes a dime relay which sends a pulse to the payout unit Pwhenever the dime which triggers the dime relay causes the total amountof coin inserted to exceed the value of the sale by 5 cents. The payoutunit will thus pay back one nickel in change during the homing cycle.

The remaining feeler wire 24 is connected to the quarter switch and whenactuated with the selector switch in the low setting pulls in a quarterrelay which places the interrupter switch 70 in series with the solenoidactuator 40 and the cam 36 begins its homing cycle. When the switch 160is in the high, first quarter inserted will pull in a quarter creditrelay and this relay will start the homing cycle only if the value ofcoin inserted equals or exceeds the value of the sale. The secondquarter pulls in the quarter payout relay which causes the cam 36 tohome.

The low price switch 144 is controlled by the lobes b and d on thepayout and master cam rings 88 and 94 (FIGS. 2 and 3) respectively andat the standby condition its blade 142 is depressed by the lobe d on themaster ring 94. In that condition, the switch 144 is open. The blade 142drops off of the lobe d once the value for a low setting sale isreached. In other words, for a 5 cent sale the blade 142 of the lowprice switch 144 will drop off of the lobe d on the first increment ofadvance for the cam 36 out of the standby position. The switch 144 willthen close. For a l0 cent sale, the switch 144 will close on the secondincrement beyond standby. For a l5 cent, 20 cent, and 25 cent sales, theswitch 144 will close on the third, fourth, and fifth increments fromstandby. Once, the low price switch 144 closes with the selector switch160 in the low range, the interruptor switch is placed in series withthe coil 42 of the solenoid actuator 40 and the cam 36 begins its homingcycle. The low price switch 144 is rendered inactive when the selectorswitch is at its high range setting. The position at which the blade 142of the switch 144 drops of the lobe d and thereby closes the switch 144is dependent on the position of the master cam ring 94 with respect tothe high price cam ring 88. By turning the actuating element of the cam36, the lobe d changes its position on the cam 36 and the value of thesale can be either increased or decreased.

The high price switch has its blade 142 extended at the end of the lobef when in its standby condition (FIGS. 2 and 3) and remains in thatposition until the fifth increment past the closing of the low priceswitch 144, at which time the blade 142 of the high price switch 140 isdepressed by the lobe e on the master cam ring 94. Thus, the high priceswitch 140 follows the low price switch 144 by 25 cents irrespective ofthe setting of the adjusting element 110. This enables the high priceswitch 140 to initiate the homing cycle for high price sales (30 cents50 cents) just as the low price switch initiates the homing cycle forlow price sales (5 cents 25 cents). Thus, at the instant the blade 142of the switch 140 is depressed by the lobe e the switch 140 places theinterrupter switch 70 in series with the coil 42 of the solenoidactuator 40 and the homing cycle begins for the high price sale. Theblade 142 of the high price switch 140 remains depressed for theremainder of the sale, being held in that condition by the lobefon thehigh price ring 122, and terminates the homing when it drops off of thelobef. At that time, the cam 36 is in its standby position for the nextsale.

The l0 cent relay switch 138 is operated only by the lobe d (FIG. 3) onthe master ring 94 and controls a l0 cent relay circuit, and thatcircuit when energized shows a credit of 10 cents when the selectorswitch is in the high range setting, so that when the insertion of adime carries the total amount of coin inserted over the sale price by 5cents, the payout unit U will be operated. For example, in the event onequarter and one dime are inserted for a 30 cent sale the insertion ofthe last coin will cause the solenoid actuator 40 to begin the homingcycle for the cam 36, and will further actuate the payout unit P for aone nickel payout.

The blade 142 of the over insert switch 136 is actuated by the lobes band d (FIG. 3) of the payout and master rings 88 and 94, respectively.It causes the payout unit P to dispense one nickel in change uponoverinsertion of 5 cents by using dimes.

The blade 142 of the payout switch 134 follows the lobes a and c (FIG.3) of the payout and master rings 88 and 94, respectively, and isnormally depressed by the lobes a and 0. Indeed, at the standby positionthe blade 142 is depressed by the lobe a and during the end of thehoming cycle it is depressed by the lobe c. When the adjusting element110 is set in 25 cent position, the lobe c is continuous with the lobe aof the succeeding group of lobes so that the blade 142 remains depressedthroughout the entire sale. However, when the cam 36 is set for anythingless than a 25 cent sale a gap exists between the end of the lobe c andthe beginning of the lobe a for the succeeding group of lobes and thelength of this gap is dependent on the amount of the sale. When theblade 142 is in the gap a circuit to the payout 11 unit P is completedand the payout unit P pays out nickels in change, indexing the cam 36one increment with each nickel dispensed. Thus, when the sale is 20cents the gap should be one increment in length so that a nickel inchange is paid back, upon insertion of a quarter. However, where thesale is cents the gap should be three increments in length so that threenickels are paid back. The payout switch [34 is rendered effective onlywhen the quarter payout relay is in, and that relay is only actuatedwhen a quarter is inserted into the coin slot and trips the quarterfeeler wire 24. If the selector switch is at the high range setting thefirst quarter inserted energizes the 25 cent credit relay which connectsa circuit for the second quarter to energize the quarter payout relay,

The vend switch 146 is actuated by the lobe d (FIGS. 2 and 3) on themaster cam ring 94 and is positioned such that its blade 142 isdepressed during the homing cycle. As a result, the switch 146 closesonly momentarily, and when closed sends a pulse to the vending machineto cause the vending machine to operate and dispense goods or performwhatever operation is assigned to it.

This invention is intended to cover all changes and modifications of theexample of the invention herein chosen for purposes of the disclosurewhich do not constitute departures from the spirit and scope of theinvention.

What is claimed is:

1. In a coin handling mechanism, including switches, a cam rotatableabout an axis and having lobes for actuating the switches, the camhaving first and second sections which are adjustable relative to eachother so that the angular relationship between the lobes varies to alterthe position at which the switches are actuated along the cam, actuatingmeans for rotating the cam to bring the lobes thereon past the switches,the improvement comprising adjusting means carried by the cam and beingrotatable relative to the cam sections about an axis fixed with respectto the first section for producing relative rotation between the camsections when so moved, the adjusting means including a spur gear, andsaid second section having a gear segment which is engaged by the spurgear, whereby when the gear is turned, relative movement between thesections will occur.

2. The structure according to claim 1 wherein the adjusting means isoffset from the axis of rotation for the cam.

3. In a coin handling unit, a cam rotatable about an axis for actuatingswitches as it rotates, said cam comprising first and second sectionswhich are rotatable relative to each other and have lobes thereon whichpass by and operate the switches as the cam revolves, a gear segmentsecured to the second section, and a rotatable adjusting elementrotatable about an axis fixed in position relative to the first sectionand including a spur gear engaged with the gear segment on the secondsection such that the spur gear travels along the gear segment and thesecond section rotates relative to the first section when the elementrotates about its axis.

4. The structure according to claim 3 and further comprising a ratchetwheel secured to the first section and engaged by actuating means forrotating the cam in incremental movements.

5. The structure according to claim 3 wherein the rotatable adjustingelement has one end which is exposed and provided with a slot so that anarrow imple- 12 ment may be inserted into the slot to turn theadjusting element.

6. A control unit for a coin handling machine, said control unitcomprising: a base; a spindle projected from the base; a cam carried byand rotatable about the spindle; the cam including a first section, asecond section rotatable relative to the first section, and a rotatableadjusting element mounted on the first section radially outwardly fromthe spindle, the adjusting element being engaged with the second sectionsuch that the second section will rotate relative to the first sectionwhen the adjusting element is turned, at least one of the sectionshaving lobes thereon; at least one switch mounted on the base andpositioned about the periphery of the cam in the path of the lobe so asto be operated by the lobe; and actuating means for rotating the cam.

7. A control unit according to claim 6 wherein the first section of thecam has a ratchet wheel connected firmly thereto and the actuating meanscomprises a solenoid actuator and a pawl engaged with the ratchet wheeland moved by the solenoid actuator to incrementally advance the cam inone direction of rotation.

8. A control unit according to claim 7 wherein the actuator furthercomprises a plate rotatable back and forth about the axis of the spindlethrough a limited arc, the pawl being on the plate, and the solenoidactuator being engaged with the plate to move it.

9. A control unit according to claim 8 wherein the actuating meansfurther includes a toggle which rocks back and forth and an interrupterswitch which is connected to the solenoid actuator and opens and closesas the toggle rocks back and forth; and wherein the plate has anactuating arm which engages the toggle and rocks the toggle when theplate rotates back and forth, whereby the circuit to the solenoidactuator is repeatedly interrupted.

10. In a coin handling unit, a cam rotatable about an axis for actuatingswitches as it rotates, said cam comprising first and second sectionswhich are rotatable relative to each other and have lobes thereon whichpass by and operate the switches as the cam revolves, the first sectionincluding front and back rings and the second section being anintermediate ring interposed between the front and back rings, arotatable adjusting element rotatable about an axis fixed in positionrelative to the first section and engaged with the second section suchthat the second section rotates relative to the first section when theelement rotates about its axis.

ll. The structure according to claim 10 wherein the adjusting elementextends between the front and back rings with its axis of rotationparallel to the axis of rotation for the cam and is confined in theradial direction by the front and back rings.

12. The structure according to claim 11 wherein the adjusting elementincludes a spur gear and the intermediate ring carries a gear segmentwhich is engaged by the spur gear, the gear segment being concentric tothe axis of rotation for the cam.

13. In a coin handling unit, a cam rotatable about an axis for actuatingswitches as it rotates, said cam c0mprising first and second sectionswhich are rotatable relative to each other and have lobes thereon whichpass by and operate the switches as the cam revolves, a rotatableadjusting element rotatable about an axis fixed in position relative tothe first section and engaged with the second section such that thesecond section rotates relative to the first section when the 3,929,21213 14 element rotates about its axis, detent pins fixed relative scribedpositions of the second section relative to the to one of the sections,and detent notches on the other first section.

section, the pins engaging notches to indicate pre-

1. In a coin handling mechanism, including switches, a cam rotatable about an axis and having lobes for actuating the switches, the cam having first and second sections which are adjustable relative to each other so that the angular relationship between the lobes varies to alter the position at which the switches are actuated along the cam, actuating means for rotating the cam to bring the lobes thereon past the switches, the improvement comprising adjusting means carried by the cam and being rotatable relative to the cam sections about an axis fixed with respect to the first section for producing relative rotation between the cam sections when so moved, the adjusting means including a spur gear, and said second section having a gear segment which is engaged by the spur gear, whereby when the gear is turned, relative movement between the sections will occur.
 2. The structure according to claim 1 wherein the adjusting means is offset from the axis of rotation for the cam.
 3. In a coin handling unit, a cAm rotatable about an axis for actuating switches as it rotates, said cam comprising first and second sections which are rotatable relative to each other and have lobes thereon which pass by and operate the switches as the cam revolves, a gear segment secured to the second section, and a rotatable adjusting element rotatable about an axis fixed in position relative to the first section and including a spur gear engaged with the gear segment on the second section such that the spur gear travels along the gear segment and the second section rotates relative to the first section when the element rotates about its axis.
 4. The structure according to claim 3 and further comprising a ratchet wheel secured to the first section and engaged by actuating means for rotating the cam in incremental movements.
 5. The structure according to claim 3 wherein the rotatable adjusting element has one end which is exposed and provided with a slot so that a narrow implement may be inserted into the slot to turn the adjusting element.
 6. A control unit for a coin handling machine, said control unit comprising: a base; a spindle projected from the base; a cam carried by and rotatable about the spindle; the cam including a first section, a second section rotatable relative to the first section, and a rotatable adjusting element mounted on the first section radially outwardly from the spindle, the adjusting element being engaged with the second section such that the second section will rotate relative to the first section when the adjusting element is turned, at least one of the sections having lobes thereon; at least one switch mounted on the base and positioned about the periphery of the cam in the path of the lobe so as to be operated by the lobe; and actuating means for rotating the cam.
 7. A control unit according to claim 6 wherein the first section of the cam has a ratchet wheel connected firmly thereto and the actuating means comprises a solenoid actuator and a pawl engaged with the ratchet wheel and moved by the solenoid actuator to incrementally advance the cam in one direction of rotation.
 8. A control unit according to claim 7 wherein the actuator further comprises a plate rotatable back and forth about the axis of the spindle through a limited arc, the pawl being on the plate, and the solenoid actuator being engaged with the plate to move it.
 9. A control unit according to claim 8 wherein the actuating means further includes a toggle which rocks back and forth and an interrupter switch which is connected to the solenoid actuator and opens and closes as the toggle rocks back and forth; and wherein the plate has an actuating arm which engages the toggle and rocks the toggle when the plate rotates back and forth, whereby the circuit to the solenoid actuator is repeatedly interrupted.
 10. In a coin handling unit, a cam rotatable about an axis for actuating switches as it rotates, said cam comprising first and second sections which are rotatable relative to each other and have lobes thereon which pass by and operate the switches as the cam revolves, the first section including front and back rings and the second section being an intermediate ring interposed between the front and back rings, a rotatable adjusting element rotatable about an axis fixed in position relative to the first section and engaged with the second section such that the second section rotates relative to the first section when the element rotates about its axis.
 11. The structure according to claim 10 wherein the adjusting element extends between the front and back rings with its axis of rotation parallel to the axis of rotation for the cam and is confined in the radial direction by the front and back rings.
 12. The structure according to claim 11 wherein the adjusting element includes a spur gear and the intermediate ring carries a gear segment which is engaged by the spur gear, the gear segment being concentric to the axis of rotation for the cam.
 13. In a coin handling unit, a cam rotatable about an axis for actuating switches as it rotates, said cam comprising first and second sections which are rotatable relative to each other and have lobes thereon which pass by and operate the switches as the cam revolves, a rotatable adjusting element rotatable about an axis fixed in position relative to the first section and engaged with the second section such that the second section rotates relative to the first section when the element rotates about its axis, detent pins fixed relative to one of the sections, and detent notches on the other section, the pins engaging notches to indicate prescribed positions of the second section relative to the first section. 